At the far reaches of our watershed, the National Park System shines

Winding through the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway provides the perfect opportunity to take advantage of our National Park system. Beginning at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway spans 469 miles, ending at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

A section of the Blue Ridge Parkway falls within Virginia’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This area is longer than it is wide, giving it the distinction of the United States’ longest linear park. An incredible diversity of plants and animals are found along the route, including downy woodpeckers, mountain laurel and the American crow, to name a few.

There are many ways to explore this scenic area other than simply driving on it. The parkway traverses through important landmarks in American history, including Civil War sites and a well-known trail often traveled by Daniel Boone. It also provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, biking and visiting unique locales like Luray Caverns in Virginia.

Make sure to call first or check online when planning your visit. Severe weather during the winter months has the potential to shut down portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway due to snow and ice.

The Chesapeake Bay Program is committed to helping people access their local waterways. Under the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, our partners have committed to opening 300 new sites throughout the Chesapeake Bay region to connect the public with the water.

Get outside and #FindYourChesapeake.